A Unique Perfusion-Mechanics Relationship in the Hippocampus

Motivation: The hippocampus is a highly scrutinized brain structure due to its implication in many neurological diseases and its vulnerability to insults. Goal(s): The present study aims to assess the metabolic health and stiffness of the hippocampus in a young cohort, and validate mechanical and metabolic quantities across sequences and magnet strengths. Approach: 17 subjects (aged 22-35, 7M/10F) were scanned using MR elastography and arterial spin labeling acquisitions at 3T and 7T MRI field strengths. Results: We observed a strong perfusion-mechanics relationship in the hippocampus across both 3T and 7T subject groups, as well as a highly significant correlation overall, with R=0.70 and p=0.0018. Impact: Given that the hippocampus is exceptionally vulnerable, with perfusion deficits often seen in diseases related to learning and memory, our results suggest a mechanistic link between metabolic health and stiffness biomarkers in this key region for the first time.